RICHARD NAPIER
[Born 1559. Astrologer. Matriculated from Exeter College,
Oxford, 1577. Rector of Great Linford 1590. Studied astrology
under Simon Forman, an astrologer and quack doctor, who claimed
miraculous powers and obtained a large and disreputable practice,
chiefly among Court ladies, for which he was frequently imprisoned
at the instance of medical and other authorities. Potman was used
to say be would be a Dunce, but Napier ultimately developed so much
skill that Forrnan on his death in 1611 bequeathed him all his manu-
scripts. Licensed to practise medicine 1604. Died 1634.]
M
R. ASHMOLE told me, that a Woman made use of
a Spell to cure an Ague, by the Advice of Dr. Nepier.
A Minister came to her and severely repremanded her,
for making use of a Diabolical help, and told her, she was in
danger of Damnation for it, and commanded her to bum it.
She did so, and her Distemper returned severely; insomuch
that she was importunate with the Doctor to use the same
again: She used it, and had ease. But the Parson heating
of it, came to her again, and thundred Hell and Damnation, and
frighted her so, that she burnt it again. Whereupon she fell
extremely 111, and would have had it a Third time, but the
Doctor refused, saying, That she bad contemned and slighted the
pwer and goodness of the Blessed Spirits (or Angels) and so she died-
The cause of the Lady Honywoods Desparation, was that she
had used a Spell to Cure her.
In Dr. Bolton's Sermons is an Account of the Lady Hotly-
wood^ who despaired of her Salvation. Dr, Bolton endeavoured
to comfort her: Said she (holding a Venice-glass in her Hand)
I shall as certainly be Damned, as this Glass will be broken:
And at that word, threw it hard on the Ground; and the Glass
remained sound; which did give her great comfort* The Glass
is yet preserved among the Cime&t of the Family. This Lady
lived to see descended from her (I think) Ninety, which is
mentioned by Dr, Bolton-
Dr. Napier was uncle and Godfather to Sk Richard Napier:
he was no Doctor, but a Divine and practised Pfaysfck; bat
gave most to the Poor that he got by it Whca m Patieat, or
Queraat came to him, he presently weot to his Closet to Pray:
It appears by his Papers, that he did converse with the Angel
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